Keven van Zoen is a linocut printmaker, illustrator, and small business owner. While she currently lives in the Netherlands, Keven is originally from the creative city of Portland, Oregon in the United States. Growing up she was always finding ways to express her creativity. She tells us; “To my mother’s dismay, I painted nearly every piece of furniture I could get away with (luckily most of our things came from the thrift shops)”. Upon entering High School, with nothing but a little pluck and a small visual arts portfolio, Keven applied and was accepted to an arts and communications based school. After high school, due to lack of encouragement from family or mentors helping her formulate her future, Keven ended up going to business school. “The following 13 years were filled with unfulfilling jobs, and increasing frustration about who I was in this world. Then add becoming an expat and a mother into the mix and I was one lost puppy,” says the artist.
When COVID-19 hit, Keven, like so many others, was inspired to tap into some of her creativity to bring light and joy to a time where we were all stuck at home. She began using linocut printmaking as a means of self-expression and exploration. Keven comments; “The meticulous process of carving intricate designs into linoleum blocks, applying ink, and transferring the designs to paper was to meditative to me, I would get lost in the process for hours. However I was still working full-time and taking care of our daughter, Teddie. I spent every spare moment I could learning and practising my new printmaking passion.”
Still facing intermittent lockdowns, she grew increasingly frustrated with the unfair expectations placed on work-life balance, thus quit her job. “I viewed it as a unique opportunity to change the trajectory of my life and pursue the things that brought me joy. I wanted to make my daughter proud by taking risks and prioritizing my own happiness,” states Keven. However, she faced a hurdle; “I didn’t have years of artistic exploration behind me to define my creative voice and goals”.
The following two years were devoted to printmaking, and Keven explored different styles, materials, and techniques. She established an online shop and participated in various markets, attempting to sell her work. She tells us; “Yet, success eluded me – or at least my vision of success I have in my head – leaving me frustrated and lost once again. It was during this time that my partner and I decided to expand our family and welcome our second child. Life was put on hold, and my creative energy was channelled into the creation of new life.”
Since the birth of her son Keven’s creative flow has resurfaced, although finding time to carve or work with ink in the studio has become physically challenging. This obstacle led her back to illustration, which she can pursue in quiet moments. During this break from the studio, Keven was able to delve into her artistic voice and style. As a result, her art has evolved into a bolder and more defined style. Although she looks forward to returning to the studio and carving again, Keven has been immensely gratified by the direction her work has taken in the past months.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Keven has recently ventured into entrepreneurship with the launch of her small business, Dutch Pin.co. With a strong commitment to sustainability, she designs illustrated pin badges made from 100% recycled acrylics. Although the pins currently feature primarily Dutch-themed imagery, she aspires to expand beyond the theme and see where her creativity takes her.
She concludes; “I hope that my story resonates with individuals who, like me, feel a bit adrift in the challenges of navigating the intersection of motherhood, identity, and the desire to create something meaningful in their lives.”
@studiozoen
www.studiozoen.com
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